Far too often we just rush out and do things as Christians without bothering to spend time with God first, seeking to determine what is on his mind and heart for us. That is not how believers should operate. At the very least, we need to take a rather broad biblical principle such as this to heart: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).

There are plenty of things you can get involved in and devote your energies to. Then again, there are plenty of things to avoid and not be bothered with. Some things are worth doing and even going to war over, and some are not. The key is knowing when and where to engage, and when and where not to engage.

This is true in so many areas. It may mean getting involved in some need you come upon, or some dispute that you can enter into. It may involve a feuding couple who are asking you to intervene and take sides. It may be a social media post you just came upon which is really quite concerning, and you are keen to get involved and set the record straight.

And it can be on a much bigger scale. Should my church get involved in a certain political project? Should one nation intervene in the affairs of another nation? Are some belligerent neighbouring nations becoming so threatening and dangerous that some sort of action – maybe even military action – is needed?

We need real wisdom and discernment to know if and when we should get involved in all sorts of things, whether as individuals, or organisations, or as nations. Sometimes the matter may well be worth getting stuck into, but the timing is just not right. Good actions can become bad actions if not entered into prudently, wisely, and in a timely fashion.

Of interest, I actually had a brief dream about such things a few days ago. It went something like this: Someone told me about a sum of money someone wanted to borrow, and I was dubious and sceptical – even upset. I thought he was in financial need because of bad or harmful choices. I thought he would go and spend any money given to him in buying drugs or some such thing.

I was going to speak out about this matter, but I decided to bite my lip. A little later I learned that the reason this person needed the money was because he had earlier spent his money on helping others in real need. So I realised it was a good thing that I did not rush to judgment and speak out at the time.

So much of this comes down to trying to discern God’s will for your life in particular situations. Should I intervene in the intense – and potentially dangerous – argument my neighbours are now going through? Should I engage with what seems to be false doctrine being pushed on the social media?

There are plenty of general biblical principles to help guide us in knowing God’s will, but often seeking clarity on more particular matters can be hard to ascertain. But those broad principles are still worth being aware of and seeking to apply.

For example, the next time you are thinking about charging in to some online debate and going to war on the social media, we need to keep in mind passages such as this:

Ecclesiastes 3:8 [There is] a time for war, and a time for peace.

Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,
but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

Proverbs 26:17 Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own
is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.

We are too often ready to enter into a battle with all guns blazing, when sometimes the wise and godly thing to do is to hold back. Indeed, simply praying first would be a great idea! How often have I waded into some online dispute without first offering a quick prayer to God: “Lord, is this something you want me to engage with, or just leave alone?”

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